Basic Information Identification Make: Ford Model: Taurus Year: 2001 Market: North America Codes Platform: DN101 Introduction Market Position Segment: Full-size sedan, historically a strong seller in the domestic market Target Audience: Family car, fleet vehicles Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Chevrolet Impala, Buick LeSabre, Chrysler Concorde, Dodge Intrepid, Toyota Camry (larger trims), Honda Accord (larger trims) Key Features Design: Fourth generation (2000-2007) featuring a more rounded, aerodynamic styling compared to previous generations. Known for its spacious interior. Reliability Focus: This manual provides the in-depth technical information required for proper maintenance and repair, ensuring long-term reliability. Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage: All models and all repairs A-Z Page Count Page Count: Estimated 2000+ pages (typical for full factory service manual) Manual Type Manual Type: Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Systems: Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, exhaust, emissions control, engine management (PCM/ECU) Transmission Systems: Automatic transmission (AX4N, AX4S), manual transmission (M5R1, G5M), torque converter, clutch, driveshafts, differentials Drivetrain Systems: Front-wheel drive (FWD), all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations Suspension Steering: Front suspension (MacPherson struts), rear suspension (multi-link independent), steering system (power steering, rack and pinion) Brake Systems: Front disc brakes, rear drum/disc brakes (model dependent), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), parking brake Electrical Systems: Battery, charging system, starter, lighting (headlamps, taillamps, interior), power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), horn, wipers, washers, instrument cluster, warning lamps Body Interior: Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, seating, climate control system (HVAC), airbags HVAC System: Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, climate control module, blower motor, refrigerant system Safety Systems: Airbag system, seat belt pre-tensioners, child safety seat anchors (LATCH) Procedures Included Maintenance Procedures: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad replacement, tire rotation Diagnostics Troubleshooting: Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting charts, component testing procedures Repair Procedures: Engine assembly/disassembly, transmission overhaul, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair, body panel repair Installation Replacement: Component replacement (e.g., starter, alternator, water pump, fuel pump), accessory installation Wiring Diagrams: Complete electrical schematics for all vehicle systems Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications. Manual Specifications File Format PDF Quality: High-resolution, searchable text, printable pages Print Quality Printability: Optimized for printing individual sections or the entire manual Binding Type Binding: Not Applicable (Digital PDF) Paper Type Paper Type: Not Applicable (Digital PDF) Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code Displacement 1: 3.0L (182 cu in) Duratec 30 V6 (G) Engine Code Displacement 2: 3.8L (232 cu in) Essex V6 (1F) Performance 1 Duratec 30 Horsepower: 200 hp @ 6000 rpm Duratec 30 Torque: 200 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm Performance 2 Essex V6 Horsepower: 155 hp @ 4000 rpm Essex V6 Torque: 230 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI) Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline Ignition System Ignition Type: Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug (COP) for Duratec 30 Transmission Standard Transmission Standard Type: 4-speed automatic (AX4N or AX4S) Optional Transmission Optional Type: Not Applicable for 2001 Model Year in standard configurations. Features Transmission Fluid Type: MERCON V (Recommended for AX4N/AX4S) Transmission Fluid Capacity: Approximately 10.5 quarts (9.9 liters) for AX4N/AX4S (dry fill) Dimensions Exterior Dimensions Wheelbase: 108.5 inches (2756 mm) Length: 199.7 inches (5072 mm) Width: 74.0 inches (1880 mm) Height: 56.7 inches (1440 mm) Interior Dimensions Front Headroom: 39.4 inches (1001 mm) Front Legroom: 42.2 inches (1072 mm) Rear Headroom: 38.0 inches (965 mm) Rear Legroom: 37.4 inches (950 mm) Cargo Dimensions Trunk Volume: 16.0 cubic feet (453 liters) Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 3500-3800 lbs (1588-1724 kg), depending on engine and trim Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Driver Front Impact: 4 out of 5 stars NHTSA Passenger Front Impact: 4 out of 5 stars IIHS Moderate Overlap Front: Good (for models equipped with side airbags) Active Features ABS: Standard on most trims Traction Control: Optional on some trims Passive Features Airbags: Driver and front passenger airbags standard; optional side-impact airbags Seatbelts: Front seat pretensioners Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional premium audio systems (e.g., Mach audio) Climate Control: Manual HVAC controls standard, optional Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) with digital display. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard on most trims Keyless Entry: Optional factory keyless entry system Connectivity Onboard Diagnostics: OBD-II compliant system for emissions and vehicle diagnostics. Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Oil Change Interval: Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic blend or synthetic oil). Consult manual for specific severe duty recommendations. Service Intervals Filters Oil Filter Replacement: Replace with oil change. Engine Air Filter Replacement: Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection. Cabin Air Filter Replacement: Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km)...
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, seating, climate control system (HVAC), airbags
HVAC System:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, climate control module, blower motor, refrigerant system
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, seat belt pre-tensioners, child safety seat anchors (LATCH)
Procedures Included
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad replacement, tire rotation
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug (COP) for Duratec 30
Transmission
Standard Transmission
Standard Type:
4-speed automatic (AX4N or AX4S)
Optional Transmission
Optional Type:
Not Applicable for 2001 Model Year in standard configurations.
Features
Transmission Fluid Type:
MERCON V (Recommended for AX4N/AX4S)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 10.5 quarts (9.9 liters) for AX4N/AX4S (dry fill)
Dimensions
Exterior Dimensions
Wheelbase:
108.5 inches (2756 mm)
Length:
199.7 inches (5072 mm)
Width:
74.0 inches (1880 mm)
Height:
56.7 inches (1440 mm)
Interior Dimensions
Front Headroom:
39.4 inches (1001 mm)
Front Legroom:
42.2 inches (1072 mm)
Rear Headroom:
38.0 inches (965 mm)
Rear Legroom:
37.4 inches (950 mm)
Cargo Dimensions
Trunk Volume:
16.0 cubic feet (453 liters)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3500-3800 lbs (1588-1724 kg), depending on engine and trim
Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
4 out of 5 stars
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
4 out of 5 stars
IIHS Moderate Overlap Front:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard on most trims
Traction Control:
Optional on some trims
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard; optional side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
Front seat pretensioners
Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional premium audio systems (e.g., Mach audio)
Climate Control:
Manual HVAC controls standard, optional Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) with digital display.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims
Keyless Entry:
Optional factory keyless entry system
Connectivity
Onboard Diagnostics:
OBD-II compliant system for emissions and vehicle diagnostics.
Maintenance
Service Intervals Oil
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic blend or synthetic oil). Consult manual for specific severe duty recommendations.
Service Intervals Filters
Oil Filter Replacement:
Replace with oil change.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually, if equipped.
Service Intervals Fluids
Coolant Type:
Ford Premium Engine Coolant (Orange) or equivalent meeting Ford Specification WSS-M97B44-D.
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 13.5 quarts (12.8 liters) for 3.0L V6; 11.7 quarts (11.1 liters) for 3.8L V6 (system capacity).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 (per SAE J1703)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
MERCON V Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) or Ford specification XT-2-QDX.
Spark Plug Type Duratec:
NGK Iridium TR55GP or equivalent (check manual for exact spec)
Spark Plug Type Essex:
Champion Platinum or equivalent (check manual for exact spec)
Known Issues
Ignition Coil Failure:
Common issue on Duratec engines, particularly earlier versions. Symptoms include misfires and rough running.
Transmission Hard Shifting:
AX4N/AX4S transmissions can develop issues with hard shifting or slipping due to internal wear or valve body problems.
Intake Manifold Gasket Leaks:
Plastic intake manifold gaskets on Duratec engines can degrade and leak coolant, leading to overheating and coolant loss.
Power Steering Pump Noise:
Some models may experience noise from the power steering pump, often related to fluid level or pump wear.
Rear Main Seal Leaks:
Occasional reports of rear main crankshaft seal leaks, particularly on higher mileage vehicles.
Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Ford Heritage:
Ford Motor Company, established 1903, a long history of producing mass-market vehicles for a global audience.
Model Evolution
Taurus Generation Fourth:
2000-2007. The 2001 model year represents the second year of the fourth generation, which underwent a significant redesign from the third generation.
Previous Generations:
First Gen (1986-1991), Second Gen (1992-1995), Third Gen (1996-1999)
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Kansas City, Missouri, USA
Sales Performance:
The Taurus was one of the best-selling cars in North America during the 1990s, though sales began to decline in the early 2000s with the rise of SUVs and more fuel-efficient imports.
Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
The Ford Taurus was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's 10Best list in its earlier generations, though it was not on the list for the 2001 model year.
Motor Trend Car Of The Year:
Taurus was not a MotorTrend Car of the Year winner for 2001.